October Students of the Month

Each month, Davis Applied Technology College (DATC) nominates two students for their exemplary efforts at school, work and life. This month, Jenny Martin from the Drafting program and Brendon Beal from the Industrial Maintenance program were selected.

Jenny Martin, Drafting

Jenny Martin doesn't know why, but she's always been intrigued by architecture. When she was in second grade, she recalls being asked what she wanted to be when she grew up and immediately answering, "An architect!" Her passion has grown and now Jenny is working hard to become what she has always wanted to be.

During high school, Jenny had the opportunity of taking drafting classes through Davis Applied Technology College during her junior and senior years. This allowed her to find out if drafting was what she really wanted to do. After graduating from Layton High School in 2005, Jenny put her dreams on hold and got married. She soon had a baby, but never lost sight of her goal. This year, Jenny decided to go back to school and pursue a degree in architecture.

Having enjoyed the self-paced, hands-on nature of the drafting program she had experienced in high school, Jenny once again enrolled at the Davis Applied Technology College.  Her instructor, Steve Berger, has been highly impressed with her skills. He says, "During the time Jenny has been in my class, she has accomplished many things. She started into architectural drafting and within 2 weeks, was offered a job as an architectural drafter. However, because of her desire to complete her education, she turned down the position."

After Jenny turned down the drafting position with a local architectural firm, Jenny admits it was difficult, but decided that finishing school would be her number one priority. "I want my daughter to understand how important education is and I want to be a good example to her."

Keeping focused, Jenny plans to graduate from DATC in February and complete her associate degree at Weber State by May. "I see through to finish my goals, no matter how long it takes me, but I'm racing to get everything done. I also want to get a degree in interior design so that I can design a house from start to finish."When she's not studying at home, taking care of her two-year-old daughter, cleaning her house, or doing the laundry, Jenny enjoys being in the outdoors or shopping. However, Jenny's great love is her daughter. "Being a mom is a full-time job, but there is nothing else more rewarding."

Brendon Beal, Industrial Maintenance

Brendon Beal has accomplished some big things in his short life. As a high school senior, Brendon completed the Heavy Duty Diesel program at Davis Applied Technology College. Because of the demands of the diesel field, Brendon enrolled in the Industrial Maintenance program to increase his understanding. Once he graduated from high school, Brendon was awarded with an Industrial Maintenance scholarship.  He plans to graduate from the program by the summer of 2009, giving him a competitive job edge over most people his age.

Brendon's zest for working on equipment and diesels comes from growing up around his father, a diesel mechanic.  Though Brendon is very soft spoken, he is passionate about the opportunity he will have, after he completes his training at DATC, to work as a diesel mechanic. His long-term goal is to work with a company repairing engines and working with electricity. He would like to find a permanent position with Cummins Rocky Mountain or Hill Air Force Base.

His instructor, Stacy Hatch, says "Brendon's attitude and willingness to learn are what will make him a great employee." Brendon is currently working at Komatsu Heavy Equipment as a mechanic. He has also been working for Caterpillar in Salt Lake City. "I enjoy working with my hands and I've had the opportunity of fixing my own motorcycles, which has prepared me for this type of work."

In his spare time, Brendon enjoys competing in motocross racing events. "I've always raced in motocross. It's just something our family has always done." The training Brendon has received in both the diesel and industrial maintenance programs have better prepared him for the real-world. "I like the DATC because of its self-paced training. The best part is to not have to spend time in the classroom, and instead I get to work hands-on."